You can use a t flip flop with buttons for input at the top and bottom of the stairs if you want to retract it from the top. I like to add a lever activated lock to one end so that once I'm inside, I can disable the exterior button.
Only mentioning this because of your comment at the end of the video.
Just a thought here, look up XOR switch for the redstone circuit. I usually use them to make a double lever switch. You can use it for the switch at the top and bottom so that you can turn it off and on.
let me know what you think.
Soon you will be able to hide the whole thing with out having the dark hole where the stairs retract.
I see. And here I was thinking I was giving a compliment to a noob :/
Only mentioning this because of your comment at the end of the video.